LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

__ 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



ANNALS 

OF THE 

CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM 



ANNALS 



ur inc. 

/ 

CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM 



FROM 1849 TO 1892 



by f 



MRS. CHARLES GILBERT WHEELER 



yzf y ' 



CHICAGO 
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD 

1892 


















COPYRIGHTED, 1592, 

By MRS. CHARLES GILBERT WHEELER 



TO THOSE FAITHFUL MEN AND WOMEN 

WHO HAVE FROM YEAR TO YEAR DEVOTED THEIR 

BEST ENDEAVORS 

TO THE PROMOTION OF THE WELFARE AND HAPPINESS 

OF THE DESTITUTE AND ORPHANED, 
THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 



CONTENTS 



Dedication - 5 

Introduction 9 

Additions to Building ... 23 

Benefactions and Bequests - - - 25 

Matron ------ 30 

Solicitor ------ 34 

Hospital and Medical Work - 38 

Schools ...... 42 

Industrial Schools .... 49 

Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers - 52 

Deceased Members - 5S 

Policy ...... 64 

Conclusion ..... 69 

Act of Incorporation - - - - 77 

Officers of the Asylum, 1892 - - 81 

List of Officers from Organization - 87 



INTBODUCTION. 

In God's storehouse of possibility are con- 
cealed golden opportunities which the grasp 
of man must utilize for the uplifting of his 
race. Opportunities which in the beginning 
promise little, but in whose development 
humanity teaches her most instructive les- 
sons. 

And so in the founding of any new project 
a net-work of circumstances leads to its estab- 
lishment, while sympathetic hearts and willing 
hands, blindly but faithfully performing God's 
behests, move on in solemn procession toward 
the realization of the desired object. 

Even calamities often conceal in their 
sombre grasp, peace and blessing. 

God's providences become man's opportun- 
ities, and so the human race steadily advances, 
slowly, it is true, but as surely, in deeds of 
charity and love. 

Over the City of Chicago in 1849 swept a 
cholera epidemic. Home after home was 



10 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

desolated. One by one the loved ones 
were laid hastily away. Family idols were 
broken down, for a fell disease cast its fearful 
pall over many homes ; but not alone to those 
sheltered in life's conflict it came. It sought 
out the poor, wandering emigrant, enfeebled 
by journey and privation, and laid its paralyz- 
ing hand on many a loving parent. Alone 
among strangers, with helpless children cling- 
ing to their scanty skirts, they felt the death 
chill creeping over them, until ears so used to 
hearing the lament of their offspring grew 
strangely deaf to their piteous moans. The 
hearts of the citizens which had bled at their 
own bereavement were not slow to respond to 
the cry of the helpless and dependent. 

The necessity of some provision for the 
care of children thus suddenly orphaned, 
urging itself upon many of the citizens, an 
informal meeting was held at Mrs. Bristol's in 
Dearborn park to consider the situation. 

Later, a national day for fasting and prayer 
was appointed by the President, and on that 
occasion (August 3rd, 1849), in view of the 
spreading epidemic it was thought to be a 
proper time to inaugurate some movement for 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 11 

the care of the orphaned, so many of whom 
were left desolate. 

In the afternoon of that day, a meeting was 
held at the First Baptist Church, corner of 
Washington and LaSalle Streets, at which 
Judge Jesse B. Thomas presided. An appeal 
was made for means to prosecute this new 
charity, and Four Hundred Dollars was then 
subscribed. 

How those true hearts burned with zeal for 
the Master. How little they thought at that 
hour, that years after we would reverently turn 
to their action, and gather little by little the 
solemn, yet inspiring acts of that assemblage. 
Their charitable intent was as broad as God's 
love. Not only did they propose to care for 
the orphan, but for the destitute, those worse 
than orphaned, who appeal so frequently for 
aid. We can imagine how that word "des- 
titute," as it came from the lips of the able 
chairman, found its echo in every heart; how 
the tender emotions were awakened; how the 
hearts of the bereaved recalled their little 
ones who had been gathered into God's garner, 
but whose loving arms would gladly embrace 



12 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

and succor the child more stricken than them- 
selves. 

August 3rd, 1849, was a red letter day, for 
then was born a noble charity, which has 
matured with the years. We often think that 
band of benevolent workers builded better 
than they knew. The city was in its begin- 
ning. There were few who had not left home 
and kindred to settle here. Sympathies were 
active, and desires became fruitful trees of 
endeavor. 

An adjourned meeting was appointed at the 
City Hall for the following Tuesday evening, 
on which occasion a constitution was adopted, 
a Board of Trustees chosen, and more money 
raised. Immediately following this (August 
13th, 1849), the ladies were formed into a 
Board of Directresses, whose duty it should be 
to attend to the internal arrangements of the 
new home. 

The first official notice of work performed 
under the auspices of this institution, appears 
in the History Book, September 11, 1849. On 
that day three friendless children were ad- 
mitted to the asylum, but more than a month 
before this the work had really begun. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 13 

A house situated on Michigan Avenue 
between Lake and Water Streets was the first, 
place selected, and here the Matron, Mrs. 
Hanson, on September 11, 1849, with three 
little orphans, found a shelter. 

It is a note-worthy fact that our beloved 
co-laborers, Mrs. Chas. Follansbee and Mrs. 
Jerome Beecher put the three little children 
to bed the first night of the opening of the 
institution. 

It was a frame building, fronting east, 
while the street was overgrown with grass. 
The moanings of Lake Michigan were the 
lullabys, the sighing of the winds was the 
sound which soothed the little ones to sleep as, 
pillowed on the loving bosom of the tender care 
taker, they sought forgetfulness in slumber. 
Their condition was most pitiable; disease and 
destitution had left them wan and emaciated, 
while neglect added its part to render the little 
ones more miserable. 

The furnishing of this infant asylum was 
most meagre. The floors were bare, and there 
was little comfort. Piece by piece generous 
hearts had donated from their own store, for 
was it not their child, born of their love and 



14 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

sympathy ? Numbers were constantly added to 
the household until larger quarters had to be 
sought, so in a few months the asylum was 
moved to Adams Street between State and Dear- 
born Streets. It was also a frame house, front- 
ing south where the sunshine woke new beauty 
in the little ones, who flourished under the light 
of love and tender solicitude. 

We find in the act of incorporation of the 
asylum, dated November 5th, 1849, that its 
object was the "relieving, educating and pro- 
viding means of support for orphan and desti- 
tute children." It was determined that no 
child should be bound out to service under 
ten years of age, but could be adopted at any 
time. It also permitted children of soldiers 
in the army, or who had been in the service 
of the United States, to have a home in the 
asylum. 

It was resolved that the meeting of direct- 
resses should be held the first Tuesday in each 
month to arrange for the management of the 
internal affairs of the asylum. While these 
details of organization were being completed 
the doors of the asylum, (which is the oldest 
institution of its kind in the city,) were daily 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 15 

open to receive the suffering. Those were 
hard times. Individual effort, personal appli- 
cation alone, kept the table spread, and the 
fireside warm. They were a band of brave 
women, who day by day, went from store to 
coal yard soliciting aid. Everything was wel- 
come and utilized. It has been our privilege 
to meet some of those women, and the experi- 
ences of that trying period cemented friend- 
ships, which the changing years have never 
been able to uproot. We have a few of them 
still with us ; like lights set upon a hill their 
influence is felt. 

The Adams street building proving too 
small and inconvenient they moved into the Hin- 
ton House on Wells Street, which is now Fifth 
Avenue, between Van Buren and Harrison 
Streets. It had a brick basement with wooden 
superstructure. Shade trees, under which the 
children found rest and pleasure, adorned the 
front vard. 

And here again the old struggle for exist- 
ence still continued. There were a few hearts 
who comprehended the vastness of the appeal, 
but it had not yet touched the public chord 
which responded by great acts of giving. It 



16 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

must first be firmly rooted in hard grounds of 
experience and unselfish toil ; it must first put 
forth its shoots all laden with the sacrifice of 
faithful hearts, and then generous people would 
come to its relief. Appeals to the public in 
every way were frequently arresting attention 
and diverting it to their work; while in the 
meantime, homeless little orphans were being 
tenderly fostered as only woman's heart can 
prompt. 

During the first two years one hundred 
children were sheltered in the asylum. 

December 19th, 1851, there were twenty- 
four children in the institution; four were 
babes and most of the others were little more. 
One of these was a mute, whose silent language 
reached the soul with an appeal which could 
but awaken the tenderest sympathy. Many 
farmers and others had from time to time taken 
children into their homes, either to fill the 
place of some lost loved one, or to admit them 
as members of the household, pledging them- 
selves to instruct the child in the activities of 
a useful life. 

Donations came in from all directions. 
Elgin and Bloomingdale sent their contri- 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM, 17 

butions, while many a sweet note of song was 
magically changed into substantial offerings of 
generous remembrance. From its earliest in- 
ception the medical faculty appreciated the 
work which was being done, and gratuitously 
offered their services. Too much thanks can- 
not be awarded them for their faithfulness in 
our many extremities. 

About 1850, Mr. Johnson donated a lot of 
land on the north side of the river, upon which 
to erect a permanent building. It was among 
the earlier gifts and was much appreciated. 
Yet, as the asylum grew, it was seen a larger 
site would be needed in order to carry out the 
designs for the enterprise. At a meeting of 
the Trustees, April 2nd, 1851, it was resolved 
to appoint a committee to purchase more 
extended grounds than those embraced in Mr. 
Johnson's liberal offer. They were requested 
to purchase a lot north of Twelfth Street, or in 
the North Division, on which to erect the* 
asylum, but they reported they could not obtain 
such a tract in the locations indicated. In 
June, 1851, a lot of nearly two acres was 
selected at $600, to be paid in annual payments 
of $200 each. 



18 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

But Mr. W. H. Brown, the President, 
thought it too far out of town and one payment 
being allowed to lapse, an additional $200 
had to be paid before the land could be 
secured. 

This amount was raised exclusively by the 
ladies, by holding fairs during 1850, 1851 and 
1852. 

This property was situated near the lake 
/shore, with a frontage on both Michigan and 
Wabash Avenues of 200 feet, and midway be- 
tween 22nd and 23rd Streets. The first building 
committee consisted of Jonathan Burr, Charles 
Follansbee and William B. Ogden. Mr. 
Ogden proffered the liberal donation of $1,000 
if a substantial building would be erected. 
Then followed George Smith, Esq., who gave 
$1,000, Matthew Laflin $500 and J. T. Scam- 
mon and wife $500. 

This edifice (which we now occupy) origi- 
nally cost $20,000, and was built entirely by 
subscription, and on its completion was free 
from debt, a noble monument to the liberality 
of the citizens of Chicago. It was finished 
under the supervision of Orrington Lunt, Esq., 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 19 

during the absence of the committee in Europe. 
It was a four story brick structure, with a 
capacity for accommodating about 150 in- 
mates. 

In 1853 the asylum was transferred from 
Wells Street to its present commodious 
quarters. 

The following is a copy of the first certifi- 
cate issued, under the superintendence of Mr. 
Charles Follansbee, giving the names of the 
officers and trustees of the organization at the 
time of removal, and on which document was a 
cut of the building as then erected. 

1853. 1853. 

CHICAGO PROTESTANT 

Chartered - - - Nov. 3, 1849. 

ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

Between Wabash and Michigan Ave. 

Centre of Two Acre Block, 
one-hundred rods from the lake. 

The building, of which the above Engraving gives a 
fair representation, is of capacity sufficient for the ac- 
commodation of one hundred and fifty orphans, is to be 
heated with hot air, and is admirably arranged for 
wash-rooms, cellarage, water-closets, and all the con- 
veniences usually found in smaller buildings. 

It is brick, very substantial and thorough in all its 
parts, and erected at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. 



20 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



Officers. 
William H. Brown, Pres't. 
Orrington Lunt, V. Pres't. 
D. S. Lee Esq, Secretary. 
Richard K. Swift, Treas. 

Trustees. 
Thomas Dyer. 
Wm. B. Ogden. 
J. Y. Scammon. 



Mrs. 



J. H. Kinzie. 
J. C. Haines. 
P. Carpenter. 
R. J. Hamilton. 
J. Beecher. 
S. Brooks. 
Dr. Dyer. 
N. H. Bolles. 

Mrs 



Trustees. 
John H. Kinzie. 
J. K. Botsford. 
W. L. Newberry. 
B. W. Raymond. 
W. M. Jones. 
Sylvester Lind. 
J. H. Woodworth. 
P. Von Schneidan 
Directresses. 
Mrs 



Matron 



H. Porter. 

" S. J. Surdam. 

" C. N. Holden. 

" C. Follansbee. 

" Dr. Pitney. 

" Chas. Walker. 

" D. M. P. Davis. 
Miss Julia Rossiter. 
J. Murphy. 
S. Marsh. 
E. Nicholson. 
T. Church. 
Dr. Boon. 
H. Horton. 
R. McVicker. 

Miss Fleming. 



{Jonathan Burr. 
Chas. Follansbee. 
Wm. B. Ogden. 

Architects - Burling and Baumann. 

Contractors, for Masonry - C. and W. Price. 

Contractor, for Carpenter-work - Stephen Derr. 

The ladies tell of toilsome walks and arduous 
duties during all those years when it was only 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 21 

an open prairie south of Twelfth Street. And 
how, on special occasions, Mr. Frank Parmelee 
would provide them with omnibusses which 
took them from Eandolph to Twelfth Street, 
while they performed the rest of the journey 
on foot. 

The visiting committee met each week as 
now, to overlook the household. During the 
cholera summer of 1853, only one of the Di- 
rectresses and two of the Trustees were in town. 
Mrs. Charles Follansbee, Mr. "W. H. Brown 
and Mr. Sylvester Lind. Mrs. Follansbee 
visited the asylum regularly every day, and it 
is only just to add that the interest she then felt 
for this charity has never abated during all the 
years of her active connection with it. We 
would gratefully remember the many services 
of Eev. Charles V. Kelley, rector of the 
Trinity Episcopal Church, also a physi- 
cian, who came on any and all occasions during 
the earlier years when his presence and 
encouragement were such assistance to the 
ladies. 

During these early years the ladies solicited 
all that was needed for the support of the in- 
stitution. The city was districted, and each 



22 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

lady assumed her share of the work and re- 
sponsibility. 

It is to be regretted that so little reliable 
data is obtainable for the first years of this 
noble work. In 1854 a concise history of the 
asylum had been carefully prepared and was 
placed in the hands of the printer, but unfortu- 
nately a fire destroyed it, so that the few facts 
which can be gleaned from the memories of 
those who founded it, are very incomplete. 
They were so interested in the work the Master 
gave them to perform, they scarcely marked 
those events which would be of such incalcula- 
ble interest to us now. But we can safely re- 
cord that their zeal failed not, their interest 
waned not, even though fire and financial ruin 
threatened to retard the plans they had so 
prayerfully devised. 



ADDITIONS TO BUILDING AND IM- 
PKOVEMENTS. 

As the years grew, the work increased, and 
already a lack of room was experienced. Many 
who came had to be turned away, for every 
little cot was full. Patient mothers waited 
until there was a vacancy, which sometimes did 
not occur for weeks. 

In 1880, Mr. Leonard Hodges was added to 
the Board of Trustees and appointed chairman 
of the Building Committee. His earnest co- 
operation in all matters conducing to the con- 
venience and improvement of the asylum bear 
ample testimony to his deep interest. 

In accordance with the recommendation of 
the physicians, the nursery was enlarged and a 
broad piazza built its entire southern exposure. 
This, when covered with an awning, which 
protects the children from the glare of the 
sun, forms a pleasant and safe play ground for 
the babes, and its benefits are apparent in an 
improved, healthful condition. 

23 



24 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

October 11th, 1884, the new addition, named 
Talcott Hall, in memory of its generous donor, 
was completed and formally opened. The 
hospital was entirely furnished with memorial 
beds, sacred to the memory of some loved one, 
whose names are properly inscribed thereon. 
Fifty beds in the new dormitories were gifts of 
friends, while Mrs. Gulliver's bequest was di- 
verted toward the furnishing of the new wing. 
But these means were not sufficient, so again 
appeals were made to our many friends to 
assist in the necessary equipment, and as cor- 
dially were they materially met. How can we 
adequately thank that public who have so gen- 
erously responded to our many demands? 
Words fail us indeed, but may not the phe- 
nomenal growth of Chicago as a city be some- 
what due to the large-hearted generosity with 
which her people care for their poor and needy 
ones? 



BENEFACTIONS AND BEQUESTS. 

In the early years we have to recall the 
liberal bequests of Jonathan Burr, $11,760; 
Flavel Mosely, $10,000; William H. Brown, 
$1,000; Mrs. Funk, $500; Thomas Church, 
$1,000; Josiah L. James, $5,000; and Allen C. 
Lewis, $4,000. To these honorable names, 
and to all others who assisted by personal 
effort, all gratitude is due. Those were trying 
years; success was not assured. They were 
demonstrating a principle, and only time with 
its developing processes could clearly elucidate 
it. There were seasons when shadows obscured 
the light; seasons when financial depression 
cramped the willing hands which had previously 
so generously contributed to the support of 
the asylum. But in their place, others came 
forth to help carry the burden. When God 
has a duty for man to perform he will never let 
it fail for want of workers. They may labor 
often amid the darkest discouragements, but 
in spite of it all, the work grows in the benign 
light of his favor. 

25 



26 CHICAGO OKPHAN ASYLUM. 

In October, 1871, after the great fire, our 
house was thrown open to the myriad homeless 
people who thronged the streets of our city. 
Men, women and children were received and 
assisted in every possible way. A depot for 
the distribution of clothing under the auspices 
of the Chicago Belief and Aid Society was 
opened in the parlors of the asylum, and the 
school-room was vacated for the temporary 
use of a sewing society for the employment of 
burnt out sewing women. 

From October, 1871, until April, 1872, the 
asylum received $400 per month from the A. 
T. Stewart Relief Fund to provide for the 
maintenance of children whose widowed 
mothers were dependent upon themselves for 
support. In April, 1872, an appropriation of 
$10,000, was tendered it from the Executive 
Committee of the Chicago Relief and Aid 
Society. These* donations enabled the asylum 
to still prosecute its grand work, which might 
otherwise have been interrupted, as many of 
its generous benefactors had been, temporarily, 
financially crippled by the great conflagration. 

In October, 1876, Col. J L. James, the 
President of the Board of Trustees, died, and 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 27 

his loss was deeply felt. He had ever the in- 
terests of the asylum at heart, and was a 
generous contributor to its support. In his 
death the asylum lost a wise counsellor and a 
devoted friend. 

On October 12, 1882, was inaugurated 
what has ever since been known to the asylum 
as shoe day, and which has later been ap- 
pointed as its Annual Reception day. 

A kind benefactress in the person of Mrs. 
Mancell Talcott came to us bringing her 
offering. Somewhere in her life, that day 
brought sorrowful remembrance and so to heal 
her wound, she came to bind up the sorrows of 
Christ's little ones. 

A new pair of shoes is given to each child 
and how happy they are when they receive them. 

Little eyes dance with joy and little smiles 
wreathe baby mouths. 

For years Mr. Talcott had freely, but 
anonymously contributed to the asylum. And 
now in placing a fund, the interest of which 
should be expended in the purchase of shoes 
which should be distributed on his birthday, 
Mrs. Talcott felt she could no better carry out 
his desires. 



28 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

But not content with this munificence, in 
1883, she built an addition to our building, thus 
providing us with extended dormitories, larger 
school rooms, and ampler hospital facilities. 
All honor to that worthy woman who certainly 
went about doing good. Her arms were full 
of beautiful sheaves of sublime effort, and as 
she laid them at the Master's feet she heard 
His heavenly welcome, " Well done, good and 
faithful servant; enter thou into the joys of 
thy Lord." 

This addition has been appropriately named 
Talcott Hall. 

We are indebted to Mr. W. D. Preston, our 
efficient Treasurer, for the following list of 
donations with the names of the donors. 

Mch. 28, 1881, Mrs. Mary H. Talcott, shoe 

fund $ 5,000 00 

Sept. 19, 1883, M. E. Gulliver - - - 1,000 00 
Oct. 13, 1884, Mrs. Mary H. Talcott, for 

building stairs - - - 500 00 

July 10, 1889, Jacob A. Rottchild - - 500 00 

July 30, 1889, Philetus W. Gates - - - 4,000 00 

Nov. 27, 1889, Mrs. Sarah C. Sayrs - - 100 00 

Feb. 15, 1890, Conrad Seipp - - - 5,000 00 
Feb. 18, 1890, Tolman Wheeler, property 

valued .... 10,000 00 

Jany. 17, 1891, A. Goldsmid ... - 150 00 

April 29, 1892, John Crerar - - - 50,000 00 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 29 

Add to these the army of kindly bene- 
factors whose annual subscriptions in smaller 
amounts and necessary material have so much 
aided the asylum in carrying on its good work, 
and you have an host of helpers, who, in pro- 
moting this worthy cause have ministered unto 
the Master. 



MATEONS. 

We should hardly be doing justice to the 
faithful hearts who prosecuted the work so 
energetically, if we failed to mention the 
matrons who aided in every way the purposes 
of this charity. Mrs. Hansen, the first matron, 
with three orphans formed the nucleus of this 
flourishing institution. We are told that noble 
oaks from little acorns grow, but who would 
have dared to hope that, with the years, 
thousands should have been cared and sheltered 
under its protecting roof. In 1851, 1852 and 
1853, Mrs. Fleming had succeeded to the charge. 
Then the children had increased to twenty. 
They speak of her as faithful and conscientious, 
tender and mother-like. Noble characteristics 
for such a heaven-given work as hers. Soon 
after settling in the new building Mrs. Watson 
assumed the duties as matron, and for 1854, 
1855 and 1856, discharged them to the satis- 
faction of the Board of Directresses. From 
1857 to 1867, the following ladies, Mrs. Mary 

30 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 31 

Handy, Miss N. F. Hill, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. 
Whittier, Mrs. O. G. Darwin, Mrs. C. M. 
Grout and Mrs. Burns, served in this capacity 
from one to three years each. It was not until 
1868, that Miss Emily Swan became matron. 
For six years she filled most acceptably this 
responsible position conscientiously and earn- 
estly. All testify to her peculiar fitness. 

In September, 1873, Miss Swan, the Super- 
intendent, resigned, and most reluctant was 
the Board to accept her resignation. 

During Miss Swan's administration of six 
years the work of the asylum had increased 
ten-fold. She had introduced harmony and 
system, and the presence of a master hand was 
evident in all her labors. With her leave-tak- 
ing, she carried the kindest wishes of her co- 
laborers, and the hearty Godspeed of all who 
had come within her influence. 

In 1874 our present able matron, Mrs. H. C. 
Bigelow, was appointed to fill that position. 
It was, indeed, a difficult task to follow in the 
footsteps of such a wise predecessor, but she 
held in herself those sterling qualities of noble 
womanhood and motherhood, which needed only 
the cry of helplessness to call into ready action. 



32 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

For nearly nineteen years she lias labored 
with us, during which time 3,680 children 
have been admitted to the asylum and 3,237 
children removed. 

The work has been perplexing, but the re- 
ward has been commensurate with its diffi- 
culties. 

Orphans' tears and smiles have woven an 
immortal crown for her noble womanhood. 

Too much cannot be said in praise of her 
work. She still toils with us, and still her 
sympathetic heart responds to the cry for help. 
Tenderly she pillows the little one, worse than 
orphaned, and sweetly it sinks to slumber, 
soothed by her lullabys. 

The only change which has been effected in 
the domestic department is the transfer in 1887 
of Miss Oummings from the position of teacher 
to that of assistant to the matron. It was 
found that the myriad duties of the home life 
demanded another helper. It is also the pro- 
vince of the assistant to share in the charge of 
the Records and Accounts, especially those re- 
lating to delinquents. The same conscientious 
faithfulness which characterized the labors of 
Miss Cummings as teacher has been exempli- 



CHICAGO OBPHAN ASYLUM. 33 

fied in her new position. Her tender, womanly- 
ways have won the hearts and confidence of all 
to whom she ministers. 

In the nurseries, the solicitous care-takers 
still minister gently to the ever recurring 
wants of the little ones. Especially is this 
true of the faithful Annie Sutherland, who for 
fifteen years has served the asylum. Her un- 
tiring efforts and indefatigable labors are of 
inestimable value. The physicians bear ample 
testimony to the efficiency with which she car- 
ries out their instructions, while at the same 
time they heartily endorse her judgment, 
which, in seasons of emergency, decides so 
wisely, 



SOLICITOR 

The office of solicitor seems to have been 
created in 1865, with Rev. Mr. Judson in that 
capacity. 

Previous to this the ladies had solicited 
funds and supplies as the necessities de- 
-inanded. 

Then followed Mr. O. V. Ranney in 1867, 
und Mr. Geo. W. Perkins in 1868, 1869 and 
1870. 

In 1871, Mr. A. Paxton was elected and held 
the office for two years. Then came days of 
retrenchment when every dollar must perform 
its mission of direct aid. 

In 1872, Miss Charlotte M. Blake, who had 
for years discharged faithfully the duties of 
nurse and teacher, was appointed solicitor 
for the asylum. How zealously she has la- 
bored for its interests all can testify whose 
privilege it has been to labor with her. As 
the years have come, her duties have increased, 
for some time she having visited the children 

34 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 35 

in their adopted homes, thus instituting that 
vigilance which is ever on the alert to discover 
unkindness or abuse. 

As there was still an indebtedness upon the 
asylum, the ladies inaugurated a system of 
lunches which were served in Bryan Hall, and 
were generously patronized by the benevolent 
public. These were repeated for some years 
and resulted successfully in coining money for 
this worthy charity. 

All credit should be awarded those earnest 
women who toiled so unceasingly to garner in 
for this work. We, who have come later, have 
slight ideas of the personal sacrifice and hard 
labor which alone secured its present success- 
ful position. 

The asylum not only undertakes to care for, 
feed and protect the children while under its 
shelter, but stretches out its arms to all parts 
of the country, keeping careful watch over 
those who have been given to homes. When- 
ever there has been a charge of unkindness or 
maltreatment of the child by its foster parents 
the matter has been thoroughly investigated, 
and if proven true, it has been brought back to 
the care of the asylum, and the offender pun- 



36 CHICAGO OKPHAN ASYLUM. 

ished. So long as human nature is what it is, so 
long will such injustices be done; so long will 
men and women prove traitors to the holy trusts 
imposed. From time to time our attention is 
directed to such cases, but the vigilance of the 
faithful visitor, Miss Blake, has been fruitful 
in preventing a repetition of such inhuman- 
ities. 

Since the Board of Trustees has so appre- 
ciatingly spoken of the services of Miss Char- 
lotte M. Blake, it is our privilege to say that 
since September, 1866, she has served the asy- 
lum, with the exception of about two years, 
when leave of absence was granted her on ac- 
count of impaired health. 

For more than 23 years she has given her 
best thought and effort to the development of 
this charity. 

In June, 1889, Miss Blake's health having 
failed, special duties were assigned her by the 
Board of Directresses at the request of the 
Trustees, thus relieving her of the arduous 
duties incident to the work of the solic- 
itor. 

During 1889 and 1890 Mrs, N. E. Smith 
was solicitor for the asylum. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 37 

Later it was deemed expedient by the 
Board of Trustees to discontinue the office, as it 
was hoped that the gentlemen would perform 
their duty in soliciting funds. 



HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL DEPAKT- 
MENTS. 

No department is more deserving of our 
commendation than that over which the kind- 
hearted physicians and surgeons preside. 

Our hospital facilities are excellent, our 
corps of nurses efficient. 

Our death rate is phenomenally small. 

This is due to the complete sanitary ar- 
rangements of the institution, as well as to 
the professional care of the medical staff, who 
so faithfully respond to every call made upon 
them. 

Epidemics have from time to time visited 
the children, but the physicians' reports show 
that fewer proportionately die than is usual 
among families. This is largely due to the 
vigilance and care of those having the medical 
department in charge, as well as to the hearty 
assistance of the matron, Mrs. Bigelow, who 
cordially co-operates with the doctors in every 
improvement suggested. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 39 

In 1869, a room for the exclusive accommo- 
dation of the sick was prepared, where they 
could have quiet and pure air, thus better to 
carry out the practical suggestions of the able 
physician, Dr. R. H. Bingham, who had so 
generously donated his skillful medical services 
to the asylum. It is said of him that he re- 
sponded at all times to the call for help with a 
willingness and promptitude which springs 
alone from a truly charitable heart. 

Dr. Boswell Park succeeded Dr. Bingham 
and was for four years physician in charge. 

Subsequently in 1882 he associated with 
him Dr. M. P. Hatfield. ' 

Later, when Dr. Park resigned his position 
on account of removal from the city, Dr. M. P. 
Hatfield became house physician, having as 
assistant Dr. D. H. Williams. 

In the same year a department of surgery 
was created and Dr. Lewis L. McArthur was 
appointed to fill the position. 

Much of the furnishing of the operating 
room, which affords such ample facilities for 
the surgeons, was given in memory of Harry 
Burgie, son of our esteemed co-laborer, Mrs. 
H. C. Burgie. 



40 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

Hearing much of the asylum and its needs 
from his mother, his young heart became in- 
terested, and before he passed away in death 
he requested her to appropriate the contents of 
his purse to the promotion of some needed ob- 
ject for the asylum. 

How generously has the loving parent car- 
ried out that last request, fulfilling to the ut- 
most the expressed wish of her departed child, 
who being dead yet speaketh. 

In August, 1888, Dr. Eobert Eandolph, 
physician in charge of the Baby Nursery, died. 

He was a painstaking physician, an inde- 
fatigable worker and a gentleman of high at- 
tainments. 

In August, 1889, Dr. M. P. Hatfield re- 
signed, and Dr. D. H. "Williams was appoint- 
ed in his place; while Dr. 0. K. Fleming suc- 
ceeded Dr. Williams as assistant physician. 

Dr. C. H. Story succeeded Dr. C. E. Flem- 
ing as associate physician. 

At the earnest solicitation of his brother 
physicians, Dr. M. P. Hatfield consented to act 
as consulting physician. 

As years passed on, Dr. McArthur suggested 
that arrangements be made with St. Luke 



CHICAGO OBPHAN ASYLUM. 41 

Hospital for the admission of the more diffi- 
cult surgical cases, as, being physician there 
he could also have them under his care. 

The physicians unanimously commend Mrs. 
Beck and Mrs. Thielen in their hygienic care 
and oversight of the children. 

We would gratefully acknowledge the kindly 
services of Dr. Devlin who has for so many 
years cared gratuitously for the teeth of the 
children. 

Through his influence the newly elected 
Dean of the faculty of the Northwestern 
University Dental College decided to ratify the 
arrangements made with the old faculty, thus 
providing for the filling of the children's teeth 
at a merely nominal price. 



SCHOOLS. 

No department of asylum work has been 
more faithfully prosecuted or more successful 
in results than that of the schools. 

During 1877, the financial depression which 
had hung like a dark impenetrable pall over 
the length and breadth of the land, enshrouded 
this institution. Yet, amid the wreck of 
private fortune and public enterprise, God 
raised up friends from the least expected 
sources. 

Again did the brave hearted ladies assume 
their proportion of existing deficits, and 
loyally, nobly fulfilled their self assumed obli- 
gations. 

Despite all monetary fluctuations the home 
work of the asylum was being prosecuted with 
the greatest efficiency. The school which daily 
gathered the children for instruction in the 
rudiments of an education was doing its work 
faithfully. 

Among the early teachers we find the names 

42 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 43 

of Mrs. Blanchard, Miss Chandler and Miss 
Dewey, all of whom performed most acceptable 
work. 

Later came Mrs. Rudd, who trained the 
young minds through the intricate mazes of 
fundamental instruction. How kind and 
motherly were her methods. How genial and 
assuring the moral atmosphere of that school 
room. 

In 1883, Mrs. Rudd left us. Her loss 
was deeply felt, for she had labored efficiently 
in every department to which she had been 
assigned. 

In the same year through the generosity of 
Mrs. Mancell Talcott, an addition was made to 
our school room, which increased our accommo- 
dations to a capacity of 250 children. As more 
were admitted it became advisable to re-organ- 
ize the school and grade it after the manner of 
the public schools. Accordingly secondary and 
primary departments were inaugurated in 
which the same methods were pursued, and 
same text books used. The wisdom of this was 
apparent when the improvement of the child 
was considered, as frequently it remains with 
us but a few months or a year, and is removed, 



44 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

entering other schools. If our instruction 
antedates that offered in its new home the child 
has lost nothing it is desirable for it to possess, 
and any future intellectual training can be 
built upon the foundation laid with us. 

In the same year 1882, a primary department 
and kindergarten was established under the man- 
agement of Miss Ada Walworth. It provided 
for the intellectual training of the youngest 
children, and opened with an attendance of 
forty little ones from five to seven years of 
age. 

In December, 1883, through the active 
exertion of Mrs. F. W. S. Brawley, Mrs. 
Godfrey Mac Donald and other ladies, a kinder- 
garten was opened, and presided over by 
teachers connected with the Free Kinder- 
garten Association, and took its rank among 
the worthy work of that body. 

Want of funds rendered it impracticable to 
continue this arrangement longer. 

The new kindergarten committee, Mrs. 
Arthur Edwards, Chairman, made arrange- 
ments with the Froebel Association by which 
the latter assumed all the expenses of the school 
except the board of the teacher. This adjust- 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 45 

ment was satisfactory, and seemed to assure 
the highest development of the child, the gen- 
eral aim of which is to teach the little ones to 
carefully observe every object their eyes can 
see or hands touch. To inspire them with a 
desire to be externally clean as well as pure in 
thought and act. To instill a love of truth and 
abhorrence of evil in the young heart, while in 
all their tasks, love of piety and goodness is 
daily inculcated. 

In November, 1SST. the kindergarten was 
changed to a primary and kindergarten depart- 
ment, with Miss Stoneman as teacher. 

In August. 1SST. on recommendation of 
the School Committee, it was voted by the 
Board of Directresses that all children who 
could pass the required examination for the 
third grade be sent to the public schools. 

Accordingly several of our children having 
completed the course pursued at the schools in 
this institution have been transferred to the 
Mosely School, many entering the fourth grade. 
TThen it is remembered that these children, 
prior to their entrance at the asylum, have had 
little or no systematic instruction, it is indeed 
remarkable that their proficiency in their 



46 CHICAGO OBPHAN ASYLUM. 

studies is so great. The Chicago Manual 
Training School has taken one of our boys and 
prepared him for a career. Physically un- 
fitted for the rougher work of life, it is a pleas- 
ure to record that he is now occupying a 
responsible position, proving himself a 
worthy, upright man and an honor to the in- 
stitution. 

It has recently been decided by the School 
Committee that hereafter all children in the 
asylum over seven years of age shall attend 
the public schools. 

The instruction given them by the teachers 
had been most systematic and thorough, but it 
was felt that the best development of the child 
demanded this change. 

One hundred and thirty-five children will, 
in September, 1892, enter the public school, 
where greater facilities for improvement will 
be within their mental reach. 

This arrangement has been effected through 
the intervention of the able chairman of the 
school committee, Mrs. Edward S. Manierre, 
who has for years held that responsible position, 
and to whose indefatigable efforts much of the 
present advanced condition of the school is due. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 47 

Ably seconded as she has ever been by the 
efficient teachers, Miss Fisher, the Misses 
Ingalls and Miss Stoneman. 

In making this change in the arrangement 
of the schools, one department will still be con- 
tinued at the asylum, that of the Kindergarten 
Primary. 

At a recent meeting of the School Com- 
mittee it was unanimously decided to appoint 
Miss Fisher as head of this new department. 

For nine years she has taught in our schools, 
thoroughness and faithfulness having become 
assured factors in her work. 

The teacher taking charge of this school 
will also be required to care for the others, 
when any epidemic in the asylum may inter- 
fere with their attendance upon the regular 
school session. 

In no department of our work has progress 
been more marked than in our school work. 

Every plan has been perfected which had 
for its aim the best development of the child, 
as all realized that in many instances it might 
be its only opportunity for mental acquire- 
ment. 



48 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

And now, in submitting our children to the 
training of the public school, we feel we are 
placing within the scope of their attainment 
every possible advantage. 



INDUSTEIAL SCHOOLS. 

In 1874, a sewing school was established in 
the asylum under the direction of the ladies of 
the Board, and here each week the little fingers 
were taught to skillfully use the needle, boys 
and girls alike, for it was felt to be no dispar- 
agement to dawning manhood that he could 
dexterously sew on a button, or repair a rent. 

The patience and ingenuity which have been 
exercised in this department of work is, indeed, 
wonderful, but where such signal success 
crowns an effort, experience proves it has been 
well expended. 

The sewing school was later changed into an 
industrial school, the scholars being divided in- 
to classes, the excellence rather than the amount 
of work being the object to be attained. In 
reviewing the history of this sewing school, it 
seems but just to speak of the faithful services 
of Miss S. M. Horton, Mrs. L. G. Calkins and 
Mrs. A. Petersen, whose persistent efforts, of- 
ten unaided, laid the foundation of this im- 

4 49 



50 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

portant department. They permitted no dis- 
couragement to weaken their purpose, and no 
trial to impede their work of progress. For 
were not young lives to be shaped into prac- 
tices of system and industry? When these 
ladies submitted their duties to the skillful 
care of our earnest co-laborers, Mrs. D. E. 
Crane, Mrs. C. M. Hotchkin, and later on to 
Mrs. B. W. Kendall, again they fell into faithful 
hands. And so it came that outside of the sew- 
ing school the older girls do much of the plain 
sewing and simpler mending. 

For the older boys in the institution who 
had outgrown the industries of the sewing 
hour, a printer was employed to teach type-set- 
ting. This plan, however, met with but mod- 
erate success. 

A knitting class under the direction of Mrs. 
Hamilton Borden, then Secretary of the Board 
of Directresses, was also formed, the older girls 
finding much pleasure in the new employment. 
The industrial school, under the able manage- 
ment of Mrs. B. W. Kendall and Mrs. Godfrey 
MacDonald and their corps of earnest workers, 
has been able to perform a wonderful work. 
Here, as elsewhere, system has produced phe- 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 51 

nomenal results. To Miss Frances T. McMil- 
lan, Miss Maude Dally, Miss May Scott, Miss 
S.G. Pierce, Miss Maude Kappeleye, and others, 
many thanks are due for their unfailing interest 
and earnest co-operation. Early in life they 
have chosen that good part which finds its 
happiest expression in caring for the poor and 
destitute orphan. 

In March, 1890, it was deemed expedient to 
modify the plans of the industrial school, as 
many of the children attending the public 
school were unable to be present at the regu- 
lar Friday afternoon session. 

This was done regretfully, as it had long 
been recognized as a valuable agency in the 
development of the child. 



OFFICERS. 

PRESIDENTS, SECRETARIES AND TREASURERS. 

The following ladies, pioneers among the 
early settlers of Chicago, and earnest pro- 
moters of every philanthropic cause, have 
labored with this institution as Presidents of 
the Board of Directresses: 

Mrs. J. H. Kinzie, Mrs. Dr. A. Pitney, 

Mrs. D. J. Ely, Mrs. Henry Fuller, 

Mrs. Dr. C. V. Dyer, Mrs. Tuthill King, 

Mrs. A. Vail, Mrs. Geo. C. Cook, 

Mrs. Henry Sayrs, Mrs. O. D. Eanney. 

Add to these the names of those, equally 
familiar, who served the asylum in other capa- 
cities and you have a body of as noble women 
as ever devoted their life services to the estab- 
lishment of any holy cause. 

Unfortunately the destruction of records 
makes it impossible to write of their services 
as minutely as we would wish. But we can 
bear testimony to their utmost faithfulness in 

52 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 53 

the discharge of every duty when duty meant 
toil and sacrifice. 

Upon the organization of the Board of 
Directresses, it appears that Miss Julia Ros- 
siter was the first Secretary, holding the office 
for two years. 

Then followed Mrs. Dr. Chas. V. Dyer, for 
four years. 

While Miss S. E. Underhill was Secretary, 
the office included that of Treasurer, which 
position she held for six years. 

Then followed Miss Coe, Mrs. M. W. Ward, 
Miss Julia Hamill and Mrs. Clark, for terms 
of one year each. 

In 1866, Mrs. S. A. Lock was appointed 
Secretary, and for six years discharged its 
duties most efficiently, and for three years, 
1875, 1876 and 1877, she was Treasurer of 
the Board of Directresses. 

In 1872, the honored President of the Board 
of Trustees, Mr. George S. Bowen, resigned. 

In 1873, the duties of the Secretary were 
divided, and Mrs. F. W. S. Brawley, became 
the first Corresponding Secretary. 

In 1874, Mrs. Robert Gentry was elected 



54 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

Corresponding Secretary, and ably filled the 
position for four years. 

In December, 1874, Mrs. Henry Sayrs, who 
had for two years been President of the Board 
of Directresses, resigned the position she had 
so ably filled, and Mrs. O. D. Eanney was ap- 
pointed to take her place. 

In 1879, Mrs. Henry Sayrs again assumed 
the Presidency of the Board of Directresses. 
Her administration of these years was marked 
by efficiency and zeal, which was ever char- 
acterized by a careful consideration for the 
comfort of the tender orphan. On November 
18, 1879, her thoughtfulness, in this partic- 
ular, provided the children with a rare pleas- 
ure, a great honor, nothing less than the shak- 
ing by the hand the honored patriot and Na- 
tion's defender, Gen. U. S. Grant, who on that 
date at her invitation visited the asylum. 

In 1882, Mrs. Norman T. Gassette was 
elected President of the Board of Directresses. 
She had been connected with the Board since 
1876, having held the office of Becording 
Secretary for three years, and that of Yice- 
President for two vears. Her kindliness, aided 
by exceeding good judgment, and both being 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 55 

permeated by a sweet Christian influence, have 
rendered her a most excellent official. As 
presiding officer she is unsurpassed. Tact and 
intelligence govern all her proceedings. The 
hearty co-operation of the Board testifies to the 
high esteem in which she is held. 

Of the many ladies who have as officers 
served the asylum from time to time, no one 
deserves more honorable mention than our 
esteemed Corresponding Secretary, Miss S. M. 
Horton, who has for fifteen years labored so 
faithfully. Her position is no sinecure. Dur- 
ing her term of office she has written over 
10,000 letters and notices. Add to this the 
lively interest she brings to her work, the 
warm heartiness which sympathizes with dis- 
tress in its varied forms, and the institution 
has in Miss Horton a most valuable co-worker. 
In reviewing her services, existing records 
remind us of the efficient labors of her aunt 
Miss S. E. Underhill, who was for several 
years the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board 
of Directresses. 

The following ladies have since 1879, faith- 
fully served as Recording Secretary, in terms 
of from two to four years each. 



56 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

Mrs. L. G. Calkins, Mrs. H. 8. Fitch, 
Mrs. G. W. Darrow, Mrs. Hamilton Borden, 
Mrs. H. W. Getz. 

While as Treasurer, Mrs. Andrew Petersen 
was with us seven years, resigning her office 
only in death. Then followed : 
Mrs. B. W. Kendall, Mrs. G. W. Darrow, 
Mrs. 0. G. Wheeler, Mrs. J. Dezendorf, 
Mrs. B B. Botsford, Mrs. E. J. Doering. 
in terms of one to two years each. 

As Presidents of the Board of Trustees we 
find the names of Mr. Elbridge G. Keith, who 
occupied the position for five years; Mr. A. 
P. Seeberger, who was with us for four years 
and Mr. W. C. D. Grannis for two years. 

In 1887, Mr. Norman Williams was elected 
to the position, and is still, 1892, the presid- 
ing officer. 

The office of President of such a board 
means arduous duties and many responsibili- 
ties, but these honorable gentlemen, in the 
midst of their many other pressing demands, 
have given both time and means to the promo- 
tion of the interests of this institution. 

Would that we could speak individually of 
all the Trustees who have served as Vice Pres- 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 57 

idents, Secretaries and Treasurers, for we 
would have no service pass by unrecognized. 
By referring to the appended list of officers 
the names of all will be found who have served 
the asylum in any official capacity. 



DECEASED OFFICEKS AND MEMBEES 
OF THE BOAED. 

One after another, our faithful leaders have 
laid down the toil of an earthly career. No 
rust was found upon their armor, few leaves 
were hidden in their abundant sheaves of faith- 
ful endeavor as they laid them at the Master's 
feet, fit trophies of well spent lives. 

Among the Presidents of the Board of 
Trustees we mourn the death of Mr. W. H. 
Brown, who was for nine years its presiding 
officer ; 

Mr. William Jones, Mr. Peter Page, Mr. P. 
L. Yoe and Mr. G. C. Cook, who served in that 
capacity from one to two years each; 

Mr. Henry Fuller, for three years ; 

Mr. Geo. S. Bowen, who was President for 
four years; 

Col. J. M. James, who presided over the body 
for five years. 

From the list of Secretaries and Treasurers 
we note the names of Sam'l Hoard, E. K. 

58 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 59 

Swift and E. I. Tinkham, for all of whom life's 
labors have ceased. 

From the Board of Directresses the ranks 
have been much depleted by death: 

Mrs. J. H. Kinzie, Mrs. Dr. Pitney, Mrs. 
Tuthill King and Mrs. D. J. Ely having 
finished their earthly careers. 

Of the first President of the Board of Di- 
rectresses, Mrs. John H. Kinzie, pleasant 
memories are related. 

How ably she presided at the meetings! 
How at the opening exercises she poured forth 
her heart in prayer to God, asking His divine 
blessing upon every department of the work. 

It was then the custom for the children to 
come before the ladies on Board day, an event 
equally helpful and inspiring. 

To the little ones, words of counsel and en- 
couragement were fitly spoken by Mrs. Kinzie, 
while the Directresses, thus brought in touch 
with the children of their care, felt their sym- 
pathies quickened and purposes strengthened. 

With the early spring of 1878 a deep 
shadow fell across our path. While tempo- 
rarily absent from the city, the President of the 
Board of Directresses, Mrs. O. D. Banney, 



60 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

passed on to the higher life. For thirteen 
years she had been a member of the Board, 
and for nine years its able presiding officer. 
The memory of her pure, unselfish and active 
life will ever remain green in our hearts, and 
all who labored with her cannot fail to be bet- 
ter women for having known and loved her. It 
is said of her that she combined in a rare de- 
gree a fine address, capability, courtesy and 
dignity. Her sympathies were active, her 
sense of duty clear, her judgments calm, her 
convictions charitable. How honored is that 
people among whom she performed her life 
work, and whose fragrant memory still lingers 
with them like the aroma of crushed flow- 
ers. 

But again we were called to part with one 
of our fellow workers. In 1884, Mrs. A. Peter- 
sen, our efficient Treasurer, passed on to the 
better life. For years her health had been 
failing, but every effort of her fading life was 
expended for this institution which lay so near 
to her heart. 

In April, 1885, another of our number, Mrs. 
J. L. Collins, was taken from us. She had been 
identified with the asylum in its struggling 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 61 

days, and had labored earnestly to promote its 
interests. 

In July, 1887, again the stern reaper Death 
came in our midst, taking from our number 
Mr. Charles Follansbee, who had labored so 
interestedly in the work. The vigors of his 
early manhood were dedicated to its service. 
In the very beginning he was identified with 
its inception and development, and largely 
instrumental in securing to it the valuable real 
estate which we now occupy. 

For thirteen years, he was the able Treas- 
urer of the Corporation, and always a careful 
and faithful adviser. 

In April, 1888, Mrs. Henry Sayrs passed to 
her reAvard. 

She had been President many years, presid- 
ing over the deliberations of the Board with 
marked ability. Her charity was of the broad- 
est type. 

In the same month Mrs. Mancell Talcott 
answered the death summons. 

The asylum lost an interested and generous 
friend, whose donations for twenty-five years 
so thoughtfully supplied so many of its needs. 

We recall her unostentatious life and pay 



62 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

tribute to those characteristics, which found 
their highest pleasure in acts of charity and 
love. 

Not alone were the ranks of the Directresses 
depleted by the grim messenger. 

One by one many of the Trustees were 
called hence. 

In October, 1889, John Crerar, Vice-Presi- 
dent of the Institution, died 

Love of God and love of man illumined his 
life and made it radiant. 

Faith and hope in turn found their fruit- 
age in an abounding charity for his fellow 
man. 

Mr. Leonard Hodges passed away in the 
same year. 

For twenty years a member of the Board of 
Trustees, his wise action and wiser judgment 
were acknowledged factors in the improvements 
made in the asylum building and in the erec- 
tion of Talcott Hall. 

And still another, Mr. Wm. F. Myrick 
ended his life work in 1889. 

He had been one of the founders of the 
asylum. A man whose kindness to the poor 
and orphaned was proverbial. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 63 

In May 1891, Mr. Mark Kimball, died. A 
member of the Advisory Board, and in the 
early days its conscientious Treasurer. 

To every position of trust and responsibility 
he brought ability and zeal. 

In the same month and year, Mrs. J. K. 
Botsford answered the summons to come up 
higher. 

As one of the charter members of this 
organization she permeated it with her kindness 
and executive ability, devoting time and means 
to the care of the orphaned and destitute. 



POLICY OF INSTITUTION. 

"With the years came a clearer comprehen- 
sion of the work to be accomplished, and one 
improvement after another was successfully- 
introduced. The older girls are instructed in 
the intricacies of housework, including table 
waiting and chamber work, while to their 
trained fingers much of the mending of the 
institution is assigned. The boys lend their 
aid in doing chores, shoveling snow, getting in 
coal, and in performing other duties distinctly 
masculine. Thus the household with its fast 
increasing numbers becomes, under the gen- 
eralship of the faithful Matron, a systematized 
army, each private having when practicable his 
duties, which are uniformly well done. 

But life is not all work to these little ones. 
The atmosphere of home pervades their lives, 
and into them the sweet influences of love and 
unselfishness are instilled, until they feel it a 
privilege to care for their younger and more 
afflicted members. Then, too, generous hearted 
managers of entertainments kindly remember 

64 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 65 

the family, and many a pleasant holiday is en- 
joyed by them. Rides and picnics also help 
to amuse them. 

Every Sunday morning the children who 
are old enough attend Christ Episcopal Church, 
while the younger ones are gathered in the 
school room, and there taught such holy truths 
as their infant minds can comprehend. We 
would gratefully record our appreciation of the 
many kindly services rendered the asylum for 
so many years by Bishop Charles E. Cheney 
and Eev. Luther Stone. Ever ready to pray 
with the sick, or administer the last sad rites 
over the departed, their presence in the insti- 
tution has been as a tower of spiritual strength. 
And to all other clergymen who have encour- 
aged us by their presence and prayers we offer 
heartfelt gratitude. 

Many little ones have but one parent, who 
cannot always provide a home for them, and 
so this asylum receives them to its homelike 
care, for which a small amount is paid each 
week. Here, again, we experience the wisdom 
of that kindly heart of Judge Thomas, who 
years ago, when the project was first in- 
augurated, introduced the word " destitute " in- 



66 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

to the Constitution. He is not the only 
orphaned one whose parents sleep " life's 
dreamless sleep." There is a deeper orphan- 
hood than that, when father forgets his trust 
and fails to provide, and mother turns from 
her clinging offspring, while her heart gives 
no response to its helpless cry. Frequently 
these are as evidently cases for the reception 
of the charity of this institution as orphans 
themselves. 

In 1872, it was voted to receive children of 
all ages from one day to sixteen years. It was 
also determined to receive from the Courts 
vagrant and homeless children who were in no 
wise subjects for penal institutions, yet for 
whom no other places were provided. These 
were mostly the children sent out by Eastern 
institutions and run-aways from home. No 
age, race or condition have ever been turned 
unassisted away. True charity is as broad and 
rich as God's sunlight, and he who would con- 
fine it within certain limitations of creed or 
nationality fails in performing its highest be- 
hests. 

A small amount is paid in for the board of 
a few children whose parents place them tern- 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 67 

porarily in the asylum. The regular price is 
$1.50 a week for each child, but when a poor 
mother comes with her child, asking for its care 
until such time as she can earn a little, it is 
impossible to refuse her. A generous public 
has always aided us, and as from month to 
month we appeal to them, renewed evidences 
of their continued interest are constantly given. 

The number of children admitted to the 
asylum increases with every year. It became 
advisable for the reception committee, before 
whom persons came for admission, to keep an 
exact record of every child coming before 
them, its name and age, and name and nation- 
ality of parent or guardian. This plan has 
been faithfully carried out, and has been of 
great advantage in preventing imposition, and 
systematizing the work. 

In 1886, it was found expedient to revise the 
By-laws, and the duties of the several com- 
mittees were specifically assigned. As the 
work had increased the number of workers had 
been augmented, and the labor must of neces- 
sity be systematized, that the largest and best 
results might be reaped. . It was found also 
that the demand for an infant department in 



68 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

the asylum was becoming more and more 
urgent. In the earlier years of its history such 
a need had been met. But of late years ad- 
mission was confined to children from one to 
twelve years of age. Experience proved that 
many families were separated, the youngest go- 
ing to some other institution, when it was often 
desirable that the family should remain to- 
gether. This fact appealed so forcibly to our 
earnest co-laborer, Mrs. George W. Darrow, that 
through her persistent efforts a department for 
babes was successfully inaugurated , with Dr. 
Robert Randolph as physician in charge. 

Other years came speedily on, bringing 
their scores of children to be sheltered. There 
were new difficulties to be met, new discourage- 
ments to be overcome, but these only helped 
to reveal more vividly the bounties and bless- 
ings of a tender heavenly Father. 



CONCLUSION. 

The life of an institution resembles some- 
what the life of a human being. There are 
years of rapid growth, and then follow seasons 
of apparent inaction, when powers lie dormant 
and faculties fail of perceptible fruition, but 
there is in fact no standing still. Subtile 
forces are ever at work reproducing, rearrang- 
ing, so that the marked changes of any season 
are not the hothouse growth of that period, but 
represent the thought and planning of many 
months before. It has been especially so with 
the asylum. The radical changes which were 
effected in its earlier years laid a firm founda- 
tion upon which improvements were perfected, 
as circumstances demanded, but the transition 
was so imperceptible, few outside of the inter- 
ested workers were aware of it. 

In the inception and development of this 
institution men and women labored faithfully 
and efficiently together. The asylum was the 
worthy child of such worthy effort. In the 
governing administration, the arrangement of 



70 CHICAGO OBPHAN ASYLUM. 

the financial interests was delegated to the 
men whose business experience made them so 
capable of caring for the funds thus sacredly- 
entrusted to their keeping. At the same time 
they lent their cordial co-operation to the 
women in the adjustment of any perplexing 
question which might arise in the internal 
economy of the asylum. To the women the 
house matters were submitted, the election 
of their own officers and the appointment of 
working committees. A band of forty earnest 
Christian women have year by year brought 
their best thought to this work. While the 
members have in the course of time changed, 
either by death or removal from the city, the 
ranks are always kept full, while every new 
comer brings a heartiness and interest to the 
work. 

Does not the great prosperity which has 
marked the progress of this institution witness 
worthily to that union of effort which combined 
the vigor and strength of noble manhood with 
the sympathies and activities of tender woman- 
hood? 

The Orphan Asylum is the oldest charitable 
institution in the city, and was organized as a 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM, 71 

matter of necessity when the orphaned and 
destitute children of this vicinity had no other 
shelter than the County Alms House. Hun- 
dreds have been furnished with good homes. 
What a record is this! So many little ones 
fitted for a place in life, and that place sought 
and selected with the best interest of the child 
in view. How many have come back to ex- 
press their thankfulness for every service ren- 
dered, and not a few have aided in this work, 
which so beneficently shaped their own for- 
tunes. Some of the girls have married doctors, 
editors, merchants, machinists and farmers. 
One boy is a physician, and another graduated 
from Princeton college, while all, as far as 
known, are industrious and honest men and 
women. In this way the workers have been 
encouraged during many seasons of seeming 
depression, for they have seen that the seed 
planted in faith has later on yielded an abun- 
dant harvest. 

It has ever been the aim of this charity to 
make it a home in the best sense of the word 
to every child who comes to it. Whatever 
their former life or association may have been, 
it is intended to make them better for having 



72 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

been under its protecting care. The strictest 
attention is paid to the habits of the children. 
Regular hours for study are appointed, and a 
portion of the lighter work of the household 
is performed by the older ones. They come 
from every nationality and grade of society. 
Misfortune and neglect have made them what 
they are. No class of children need more care- 
ful training than these offsprings of unfortu- 
nate circumstance. Our mission has ever been 
to study the child, to develop and cultivate 
whatever was worthy of good, to correct every 
evil habit, kindly but firmly, and thus create a 
new being, better prepared to fill the position 
which might come to it in after life. 

In October, 1871, the noble city of Chicago 
was devastated by flame, and again all records 
of the asylum were destroyed. It is an unsatis- 
factory task to find one's self so hampered as to 
material in gathering such a history as this. A 
history into which human hearts have given the 
best they had to give ; where sympathies were 
energized and rendered helpful ; where prayers 
materialized into food and raiment ; where the 
precious ointment of consecrated thought and 
deed was laid at the Master's feet, the aroma 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 73 

of which should float far down the years. How 
can we tell of the hopes that became fruitful of 
kindly acts, of the plans, which in their devel- 
opment brought out souls into the light of ut- 
most possibility. Alas, the hearts which de- 
vised these noble thoughts have many of them 
ceased to beat. The hands which wrought so 
willingly have long since performed their last 
duty. To the recording angel who writes down 
"Not what we do but what we try to do," we 
must turn for an accurate statement of all our 
endeavors. They laid the foundation, firmly 
rooted in earnest prayer. Years have only 
strengthened it. Impervious to storm and tem- 
pest, it still stands, a lasting, perpetual monu- 
ment. 

To the Honorable Board of Trustees belongs 
the credit of having ably managed the financial 
interests of this institution, and the cordial as- 
sistance they have ever rendered the Direct- 
resses in the government of the home, demands 
profound appreciation. We are laborers in a 
common cause. May the blessings of the all- 
merciful Father hallow the labor. 

In leaving our history open, for other years 
to add their record of work accomplished in the 



74 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

interests of humanity, we feel we must bear 
final testimony to the generosity of that public 
which met the appeals so substantially, and to 
whose assistance the work owes so much. 

Some idea can be obtained of the magnitude 
of the benefits wrought by the asylum when it 
is known that since its inception August, 1849, 
to July 1st, 1892, more than 5,000 children have 
been under its care. 

To the willing hands who have so faithfully 
wrought with us ; 

For the prayers, which, like white-winged 
doves, have come back to us with blessings ; 

We return to all an earnest " God bless 
you." 

You have been co-laborers in a colossal 
work, nothing less than the upbuilding of hu- 
man lives. In the beginning, life is a puny 
structure, tottering and insufficient to support 
itself. It was given to us to lay the founda- 
tion of discipline and denial, to erect an edifice 
which should reach toward heaven. It should 
look out upon the East, from whence all infor- 
mation and research have originated. It should 
be turned toward the West of progression and 
true advancement. It should be made stronger 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 75 

by the harsh Northern blasts of struggle and 
opposition, while the soft South winds from 
orange groves of perfected thought might 
crown it all in an eternal bridal, where truth 
should be wedded to simplicity, strength to in- 
tegrity and moral grandeur, fortified by re- 
peated discipline should be mercifully allied to 
infinite knowledge. 



ACT OF INCORPORATION. 



Section 1. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, 
represented in the General Assembly, That all such persons as are 
now members of the Association denominated the " The Chicago 
Orphan Asylum," and their associates, be, and they are hereby 
constituted, a body corporate and politic by the name and style of 
"The Chicago Orphan Asylum," and by that name shall have 
perpetual succession, and shall have power to contract and be 
contracted with ; to sue and be sued ; to plead and be impleaded, 
and to do and perform all such acts and things as are or may be- 
come necessary for the furtherance and advancement of the pur- 
poses of said incorporation as fully and completely as a natural 
person might or could do. 

Sec. 2. The object and purpose of said incorporation shall be 
the protecting, relieving, educating of, and providing means of 
support and maintenance for orphan and destitute children. 

Sec. 3. Any person may become a member of said corporation 
by paying to the treasurer thereof the sum of twenty-five (25) dol- 
lars, which may include as part thereof any sum which has here- 
tofore been paid by such person to the aforesaid association, Pro- 
vided, That said corporation may, by its by-laws, provide for the 
admission of annual members on such terms and with such privi- 
leges as they may deem proper. 

Sec. 4. The officers of said corporation shall be a President, a 
Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and eleven Trustees, who 
shall be elected from the members of the said corporation by bal- 
lot at the annual meeting of the members, and shall hold their 
office for one year and until others be elected in their stead ; and 
in case of any vacancy or vacancies in either of said offices, by 
death, resignation, or otherwise, the Board of Trustees shall have 
power to fill such vacancy or vacancies until the next annual 
meeting. The President and Secretary of said corporation shall, 
ex officio, be President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and 
be associated with the said Board in all matters of business per- 
taining to the said corporation. 

Sec. 5. The estate and concerns of the said corporation shall 
be managed by a local board, consisting of the President, Secre- 
tary, and Trustees, a majority of whom shall form a quorum for 
77 • 



78 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

the transaction of business, who shall have power, in pursuance of 
the by-laws of the said corporation, to appoint, and at pleasure to 
remove, such subordinate officers and agents, superintendents, 
teachers and servants as the business of the corporation shall 
require, and to allow them a suitable compensation. 

Sec. 6. In case of death or legal incapacity of a father, or his 
abandoning or neglecting to provide for his family, the mother 
shall be deemed the legal guardian of her children, for the purpose 
of making a surrender of them to the charge and custody of the 
Trustees of the said corporation ; and in all cases where it is not 
known that there is within the State any person legally authorized 
to act in the premises, the Mayor of the City of Chicago, ex officio, 
be the legal guardian for the like purposes, and such guardianship 
shall extend as well to the children already in the care of the 
aforesaid association, as to those who may hereafter be offered for 
admission or received into the said Asylum; and in either case, 
whether such surrender be made by the mother, or by the Mayor of 
said city, or whether before or after the admission into the said 
Asylum, it shall be deemed a legal surrender for the purposes, and 
within the true intent and meaning of this act. 

Sec. 7. When a child shall be surrendered to the charge and 
direction of the Trustees of said corporation by an instrument in 
writing, signed by the parent or guardian of such child, or by the 
Mayor of the said city of Chicago, in manner and form as may be 
prescribed in and by the by-laws of the said corporation, the 
Trustees may, in their discretion, bind out such child to some 
suitable employment in the same manner as poor and indigent 
children may now be bound out according to the laws of this 
State ; but proper provision shall in every case be made and in- 
serted in the indentures by which such child shall be bound to 
service, for securing an education proper and fitting for the con- 
dition and circumstances in life of such child. 

Sec. 8. The said corporation may receive, take and hold, as 
well by gift, purchase, devise or bequest, or otherwise, any real or 
personal estate for the uses and purposes herein contemplated, 
whether the same be purchased by, or given, devised, bequeathed 
or conveyed directly to such corporation, or to its officers or 
trustees, or otherwise for the use of the said corporation ; and all 
the money and property heretofore donated to the said association 
is hereby vested in the said corporation. 

Sec. 9. The said corporation shall have power to make by- 
laws, rules and regulations for the admission of its members and 
their government, the election of its officers and the appointment 
of agents, superintendents, teachers and servants, and for regula- 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 79 

ting their duties and government, for the expelling of its members, 
and for the safe-keeping and protection of its property and funds, 

Sec. 10. The annual election for officers of the said corpora- 
tion shall be held on the second Thursday of December in each 
year, or on such other day as the said corporation in and by its by- 
laws may appoint, and the next annual election for officers of the 
said corporation shall be held on the second Thursday of Decem- 
ber next after the passage of this act: Provided, That the officers 
of the aforesaid association shall be officers of the said corpora- 
tion, until an election shall have been held under this act. 

Sec. 11. This act shall take effect immediately, and the 
Legislature may at any time alter, amenl or repeal the same. 

WM. McMURTY, 
Z. CASEY, Speaker of the Senate. 

Speaker of the House of Rep. 

Approved Nov, 5, 1849. 

Secretary of State's Office, ? 
Illinois. ) 

I, Horace S. Cooley, Secretary of the State of Illinois, do 
hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the 
original enrolled law on file in my office. 

Witness my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at the city 
of Springfield, this eighth day of December, A. D., 1849. 

H. S. COOLEY, 
[l. s.] Secretary of State-. 



OFFICERS OF THE ASYLUM 

AND 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

1892. 



President, Noeman Williams. 

Vice-President, John M. Claek. 

Secretary, Fredeeick B. Tuttle. 

Treasurer, Wm. D. Peeston. 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

Wm. A. Fullee. David Kelley. 

Caeyl Young. A. A. Speague. 

Chas. L. Hutchinson. Maetin A. Ryeeson. 

A. C. Baetlett. D. W. Irwin. 

Mteon L. Peaece. Byeon L. Smith. 

Chas. F. Geey. 

ADVISORY BOARD. 

Oeeington Lunt. A. F. Seebeegee. 

Geo. A. Spelngee. W. C. D. Geannis. 

E. G. Keith. Chas. W. Pieece. 

Heney S. Fitch. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

Wm. A. Fullee, Chairman. Martin A. Ryeeson. 

Byeon L. Smith. 

FINANCE COMMITTEE. 

Wm. D. Peeston, Chairman. Chas. F. Geey. 
Byeon L. Smith. 

COMMITTEE ON BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 

John M. Claek, Chairman. Myeon L. Peaece. 
A. C Baetlett. 
6 81 



82 CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



AUDITING COMMITTEE. 

Caryl Young, Chairman. D. W. Irwin. 

David Kelley. 

SPECIAL COMMITTEE. 

A. A. Sprague, Chairman. Chas. L. Hutchinson. 

A. C. Bartlett. 

MEDICAL STAFF. 

Physician, ------- Dr. D. H. Williams. 

Associate Physician, ------ Dr. Chas. A. Storey. 

Consulting Physician, Dr. M. P. Hatfield. 

Surgeon, -------- Br. L. L. McArthur, 

Oculist and Aurist, Dr. Lyman Ware. 

Dentist, Dr. J. B. Devlin. 

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTRESSES. 
1892. 

President, Mrs. Norman T. Gassette. 

Vice-President, - - - - Mrs. Bennet B. Botsford. 

Recording Secretary, - - - - Mrs. Harry W. Getz. 

Corresponding Secretary, Miss Sarah M. Horton. 

Treasurer, - - - - Mrs. Edmund J. Doering. 

RECEPTION COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. Norman T. Gassette. Mrs. H. C. Bigelow. 

Miss Sarah M. Horton. Mrs. Caryl Young. 

First Quarter. 

Mrs. Henry C. Burgie. Mrs. Brenton R. Wells. 

Mrs. J. C. Walters. 

Second Quarter. 

Mrs. Henry S. Fitch. Mrs. J. A. Edwards. 

Mrs. J. D. Dezendorf. 

Third Quarter. 

Mrs. Hamilton Borden. Mrs. Luther Stone. 

Mrs. C. M. Hotchkin. 

Fourth Quarter. 

Mrs. David Runnion. Mrs. Mary L. Clancy. 

Mrs. John T. McAuley. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 83 



MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. Harry W. Getz. Mrs. Bennet B. Botsford. 

Mrs. Henry C. Burgie. 
SCHOOL COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. Edward Manterre. Mrs. Graeme Stewart. 

Mrs. C. Gilbert Wheeler. Mrs. F. W. S. Brawley. 

Mrs. D. E. Crane. Mrs. N. B. Delamater. 

INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. Geo. W. Darrow. Mrs. W. H. Swift. 

Mrs. Benj. W. Kendall. Mrs. Chas. H. Knapp. 

Mrs. Collins S. Squiers. 

PURCHASING COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald. Mrs. Chas. C. Boyles. 
Mrs. Augustus B. Gray. 

IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. John B. Skinner. Mrs. Jane A. Myrick. 

Mrs. Chas. Follansbee. Mrs. Wm.W. Phelps. 

AUDITING COMMITTEE. 

Mrs. C. S. Longenecker. Mrs. Edmund J. Doerixg. 

Mrs. Jas. A. Burhans. 

MATRON. 

Mrs. H. C. Bigelow. 



BOARD OF DIRECTRESSES FOR 1892. 



Mrs. Hamilton Borden 12 Groveland Park. 

Mrs. James A. Burhans 9 Groveland Park. 

Mrs. Bennet B. Botsfor D , 2100 Calumet Ave. 

Mrs. Charles C. Botles ---, Riverside. 

M rs. Francis W. S. Brawley 3010 Lake Park Ave. 

Mrs. Henry C, Burgie 3639 Grand Boul. 

Mrs. Mary L. Clancy -, 3244 Vernon Ave. 

Mrs. D. E. Crane 2450 Michigan Ave. 

Mrs. George W. Darrow 143 Oakwood Boul. 

Mrs. N. B. Delamater 3912 Lake Ave. 

Mrs. J. D. Dezendorf 2317 Michigan Ave. 

Mrs. Edmund J. Doering 2406 Prairie Ave. 

Mrs. Cyrus Dupee Hotel Woodruff. 

Mrs. J. A. Edwards 5244 Lexington Ave. 

Mrs. Henry S. Fitch 2827 Michigan Ave. 

Mrs. Charles Follansbee 4545 Greenwood Ave. 

Mrs. Norman T. Gassette The Metropole. 

Mrs. Harry W. Getz 5803 Madison Ave. 

Mrs Augustus R. Gray 2203 Prairie Ave. 

Mrs. Charles M. Gray 2556 Wabash Ave. 

Miss Sarah M. Horton 18 Aldine Square. 

Mrs. C. M. Hotchkin - = Hotel Woodruff. 

Mrs. B. W. Kendall - - 263S Prairie Ave. 

Mrs. Chas. H. Knapp 2311 Michigan Ave. 

Mrs. C. S. Longenecker 3434 Calumet Ave. 

Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald Hotel Woodruff. 

Mrs. Edward Manierre 2352 Prairie Ave. 

Mrs. John T. McAuley 3412 Yernon Ave. 

Mrs. Jane A. Myrick 2967 Yernon Ave. 

Mrs. Wm. W. Phelps 2518 Prairie Ave. 

Mrs. David Runnion 2253 Wabash Ave. 

Mrs. John B. Skinner , - - - - 159 Cass St. 

Mrs. Collins S. Squlers 90 Twenty-second St. 

Mrs. Graeme Stewart 13 Ritchie Place. 

Mrs. Luther Stone 2013 Michigan Ave. 

Mrs. W. H. Swift 1838 Indiana Ave. 

Mrs. Brenton R. Wells 4853 Lake Ave. 

Mrs. J. C- Walters The Metropole. 

Mrs. C. Gilbert Wheeler The Lexington. 

Mrs. Caryl Young 1704 Michigan Ave. 

85 



HONORARY MEMBERS. 



Mrs. Wm. Aldrich. 
Mrs. Jno. F. Barnard. 
Mrs. Jerome Beecher. 
Mrs. J. P. Brewster. 
Mrs. Geo. C. Cook. 
Mrs. H. C. Durand. 
Mrs. Henry Fuller. 
Mrs. N. Goold. 
Mrs. James Irvin. 

Mrs. 



Mrs. Geo. B. Marsh. 
Mrs. Dr. McVickar. 
Mrs. D. K. Pearson. 
Mrs. A. Vail. 
Mrs. Geo. W. Perkins. 
Mrs. Hiram Reynolds. 
Mrs. Jesse Spalding. 
Mrs. A. G. Swift. 
Mrs. A. J. Willard. 
H. M. Wilmarth. 



LIST OF OFFICERS. 



Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
Samuel Hoard, Sec. 
R. K. Swift, Treas. 

Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
Samuel Hoard, Sec. 
R. K. Swift, Treas. 

Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
Samuel Hoard, Sec. 
R. K. Swift, Treas. 

Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
Samuel Hoard, Sec. 
R. K. Swift, Treas. 

Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
Samuel Hoard, Sec. 
R. K. Swift, Treas. 

Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
R. K. Swift, Treas. 

Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
E. I. Tinkham, Treas. 



1850. 

Mrs. 
Mrs. 

Miss 
Mrs. 



1851. 

Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Miss 
Mrs. 
1852. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 

1853. 

Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 

1854. 

Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 
Mrs. 



J. H. Kinzie, Pres. 
Dr. A. Pitney, V-Pres. 
Julia Rossiter, Sec. 
Hanson, Matron. 

J. H. Kinzie, Pres. 
Dr. A. Pitney, V-Pres. 
Julia Rossiter, Sec. 
Fleming, Matron. 

J. H. Kinzie, Pres. 
Dr. A. Pitney, V-Pres. 
Dr. Chas. V. Dyer, Sec. 
Fleming, Matron. 

Dr. A. Pitney, Pres. 
C. Follansbee, V-Pres. 
Dr. Chas. V. Dyer, Sec. 
Fleming, Matron. 

Dr. A. Pitney, Pres. 
C. Follansbee, V-Pres. 
Dr. Chas. V. Dyer, Sec. 
Watson, Matron. 



1855. 

Mrs. Dr. A. Pitney, Pres. 
Mrs. C. Follansbee, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Dr. Chas. V. Dyer, Sec. 
Mrs. Watson, Matron. 

1856. 

Mrs. Tuthill King, Pres. 
Mrs. Dr. Brock McVickar, V-Pres. 
Miss S. E. Underhill, Sec. 
Mrs. Watson, Matron. 
87 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



Wm, H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
E. I. Tinkham, Treas. 

Wm. H. Brown, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
Mark Kimball, Treas. 

Stephen C. Higginson, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
Mark Kimball, Treas. 

William Jones, Pres. 
Orrington Lunt, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
C. R. Larrabee, Treas. 

Peter Page, Pres. 
Geo. A. Springer, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
W. H. Rice, Treas. 

Peter Page, Pres. 
Geo. A. Springer, V-Pres. 
H. E. Seelye, Sec. 
Mark Kimball, Treas. 

Col. J. L. James, Pres. 
W. F. Myrick, V-Pres. 
Geo. A. Springer, Sec. 
Mark Kimball, Treas. 
Dr. R. L. Rea, Physician. 

Henry Fuller, Pres. 
Chas. Follansbee, V-Pres. 
Geo. A. Springer, Sec. 
Mark Kimball, Treas. 
Dr. R. L. Rea, Physician. 



1857. 

Mrs. D. J. Ely, Pres. 
Mrs. J. K. Botsford, V-Pres. 
Miss S. E. Underhill, Sec. & Treas. 
Mrs. Mary Handy, Matron. 

1858. 

Mrs. D. J. Ely, Pres. 
Mrs. J. K, Botsford, V-Pres. 
Miss S. E. Underhill, Sec. & Treas. 
Miss N. F. Hill, Matron. 

1859. 

Mrs. Tuthill King, Pres. 
Mrs. J. K. Botsford, V-Pres. 
Miss S. E. Underhill, Sec. & Treas. 
Miss N. F. Hill, Matron. 

I860. 

Mrs. A. Vail, Pres. 

Mrs. G. C. Cook, V-Pres. 

Miss S. E. Underhill, Sec. & Treas. 

Miss N. F. Hill, Matron. 

1861 . 

Mrs. A. Vail, Pres. 

Mrs. G. C. Cook, V-Pres. 

Miss S. E. Underhill, Sec. & Treas. 

Mrs. Jones, Matron. 

1862. 

Mrs. Henry Fuller, Pres. 
Mrs. Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 
Miss Coe, Sec. and Treas. 
Mrs. Whittier, Matron. 

1863. 

Mrs. Henry Fuller, Pres. 
Mrs. Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 
Mrs. M. W. Ward, Sec. & Treas. 
Mrs. O. G. Darwin, Matron. 

1864. 

Mrs. Geo. C. Cook. Pres. 
Mrs. O. Ranney, V-Pres. 
Miss Julia Hamill, Sec. 
Mrs. O. G. Darwin. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



1865, 



Henry Fuller, Pres. 
Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 
Geo. A. Springer, Sec. 
Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 
Dr. R. L. Rea, Physician. 
Rev. Mr. Judson, Solicitor. 



Henry Fuller, Pres. 
Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 
W. C. D. Grannis, Sec. 
Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 
Dr. R. L. Rea, Physician. 
Rev. Mr. Judson, Solicitor. 

P. L. Yoe, Pres. 

E. V. Robbins, V-Pres. 

J. K. Burtis, Sec. 

S. A. Smith, Treas. 

Dr. R. L. Rea, Physician 

O. D. Ranney, Solicitor. 



Mrs. Tuthill King, Pres. 

Mrs. Clark, Sec. 

Mrs. O. G. Darwin, Matron. 



1866. 



Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 
Mrs. P. L. Yoe, V-Pres. 
Mrs. S. A. Lock, Sec. 
Mrs. C. M. Grout, Matron. 



1867. 



Mrs. Tuthill King, Pres. 
Mrs. Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 
Mrs. S. A. Lock, Sec. 
Mrs. Burns, Matron. 



1868. 



Geo. C. Cook, Pres. 

W. C. D. Grannis, V-Pres. 

B. I. Hitchcock, Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 

Geo. W. Perkins, Solicitor. 



Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 
Mrs. Tuthill King, V-Pres. 
Mrs. S. A. Lock, Sec. 
Miss Emily Swan, Matron. 



1 869. 



George S. Bowen, Pres. 

I. S. Piatt, V-Pres. 

Geo. W. Perkins, Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 

Geo. W. Perkins, Solicitor. 



Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 
Mrs. J. Richards, V-Pres. 
Mrs. S. A. Lock, Sec. 
Miss Emily Swan, Matron. 



Geo. S. Bowen, Pres. 

I. S. Piatt, V-Pres. 

W. Holly, Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 

Geo. W. Perkins, Solicitor. 



1870. 

Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 
Mrs. D. Runnion, V-Pres. 
Mrs. S. A. Lock, Sec. 
Miss E. Swan, Matron. 



90 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM, 



1871. 



Geo. S. Bowen, Pres. 
Eev. C. E. Cheney, V-Pres. 
Elbridge G. Keith, Sec. 
Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 
Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 
A. Paxton, Solicitor. 



Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 
Mrs. David Runnion, V-Pres. 
Mrs. S. A. Lock, Sec. 
Miss E. Swan, Matron. 



1872. 



Geo. S. Bowen, Pres. 

Col. J. L. James, V-Pres. 

E. G. Keith, Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 

A. Paxton, Solicitor. 



Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 
Mrs. C. M. Gray, V-Pres. 
Mrs. H. M. Wilmarth, Sec. 
Miss Emily Swan, Matron. 



1873. 



Col. J. L. James, Pres. 

Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 

E. G. Keith, Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 

MissC. M. Blake, Solicitor. 



Mrs. Henry Sayrs, Pres. 
Mrs. Henry Fuller, V-Pres. 
Mrs. B. Botsford, Sec. 
Mrs. F. W. S. Brawley, Cor. 
Miss Emily Swan, Matron. 



Sec. 



1874. 



Col. J. L. James. Pres. 

Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 

E. G. Keith, Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 

Miss CM. Blake, Solicitor. 



Mrs. Henry Sayrs, Pres. 
Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Bennet Botsford, Rec. Sec. 
Mrs. Rob't Gentry, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 



1875. 



Col. J. L. James, Pres. 
Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 
Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. 
Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 
Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 
Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. 



Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 

Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald, V-Pres. 

Mrs. G. B. Marsh, Rec. Sec. 

Mrs. Rob't Gentry, Cor. Sec. 

Mrs. S. A. Lock, Treas. 

Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 



1876. 



Col. J. L. James, Pres. 
Geo. C. Cook, V-Pres. 
Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. 
Chas. Follansbee, Treas. 
Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. 
Miss CM. Blake, Solicitor. 



Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 

Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald, V-Pres. 

Mrs. N. T. Gassette, Rec. Sec. 

Mrs. Rob't Gentry, Cor. Sec. 

Mrs. S. A. Lock, Treas. 

Mrs. H. C Bigelow, Matron. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 91 

1877. 

Elbridge G. Keith, Pres. Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 

Geo. C. Cook, Y-Pres. Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald, Y-Pres, 

Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. Mrs. N. T. Gassette, Rec. Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas. Mrs. Rob't Gentry, Cor. Sec. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. Mrs. S. A. Lock, Treas. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

1878. 

Elbridge G. Keith, Pres. Mrs. O. D. Ranney, Pres. 

Geo. C. Cook, Y-Pres. Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald, Y-Pres. 

Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. Mrs. N. T. Gassette, Rec. Sec. 

Chas. Follansbee, Treas. Miss S. M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. Mrs. A. Peterson, Treas. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

1879. 

Elbridge G. Keith, Pres. Mrs. Henry Sayrs, Pres. 

A. F. Seeberger, Y-Pres. Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald, Y-Pres. 

Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. Mrs. L. G. Calkins, Rec. Sec. 

C. F. Grey, Treas. Miss S. M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 

Dr. R. H. Bingham, Physician. Mrs. A. Peterson, Treas. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

1880. 

E. G. Keith, Pres. Mrs. Henry Sayrs, Pres. 

A. F. Seeberger, Y-Pres. Mrs. N. T. Gassette, Y-Pres. 

Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. Mrs. L. G. Calkins, Rec. Sec. 

C. F. Grey, Treas. Miss S. M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 

Dr. R.H.Bingham Ipi, • •„„, Mrs. A. Peterson, Treas. 

Dr. Roswell Park, ^ n 3 si cians. Mrg H Q BigeloWf Matron. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. 

1881. 

A. F. Seeberger, Pres. Mrs. Henry Sayrs, Pres. 

JohnCrerar, Y-Pres. Mrs. N. T. Gassette, Y-Pres. 

Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. Mrs. G. W. Darrow, Rec. Sec. 

C. F. Grey, Treas. Miss S. M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 

Dr. Roswell Park, Physician. Mrs. A. Peterson, Treas. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

1882. 

A. F. Seeberger, Pres. Mrs. N. T. Gassette, Pres. 

John Crerar, Y-Pres. Mrs. G. Macdonald, Y-Pres. 

Chas. W. Pierce, Sec. Mrs. Geo. W. Darrow, Rec. Sec. 

C. F. Grey, Treas, Miss S. M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 

Dr. Roswell Park, Physician. Mrs. Andrew Peterson, Treas. 

Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Associate Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Physician. 
Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. 



92 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



1883. 



A. F. Seeberger, Pres. 
John Crerar, V-Pres. 
Charles W. Pierce, Sec. 
C. F. Grey, Treas. 
Dr. Roswell Park, Physician. 
Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Associate 

Physician. 
Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Godfrey Macdonaid, V-Pres. 
Mrs. H. S. Fitch, Rec. Sec. 
Miss S. M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. Andrew Peterson, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 



1884. 



A. F. Seeberger, Pres. 

John Crerar, V-Pres. 

Charles W. Pierce, Sec. 

C. F. Grey, Treas. 

Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Physician. 

Dr. D. H. Williams, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. Mc Arthur, Surgeon. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Godfrey Macdonaid, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Henry S. Fitch, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. Andrew Peterson, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. 



1885. 



W. C. D. Grannis, Pres. 

John Crerar, V-Pres. 

Charles W. Pierce, Sec. 

C. F. Grey, Treas. 

Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Physician. 

Dr. D. H. Williams, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. Mc Arthur, Surgeon. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Godfrey Macdonaid, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Henry S. Fitch, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. B. W. Kendall, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. 



1886, 



W. C. D. Grannis, Pres. 
John Crerar, V-Pres. 
Charles W. Pierce, Sec. 
Charles F. Grey, Treas. 
Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Physician. 
Dr. D. H. Williams, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. McArthur, Surgeon. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Godfrey Macdonaid, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Hamilton Borden, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. C. Gilbert Wheeler, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Miss C. M. Blake, Solicitor. 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



93 



1 
Norman Williams, Pres. 
John Crerar, "V-Pres. 
Charles W. Pierce, Sec. 
Charles F. Grey, Treas. 
Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Physician. 
Dr. D. H. Williams, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. Robert Randolph, Nursery 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. McArthur, Surgeon. 

1 

Norman Williams, Pres. 
John Crerar, Y-Pres. 
Charles W. Pierce, Sec. 
Charles F. Grey, Treas. 
Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Physician. 
Dr. D. H. Williams, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. Robert Randolph, Nursery 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. McArthur, Surgeom 



887. 

Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Godfrey Macdonald, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Hamilton Borden, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. B. B. Botsford, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Miss C. M. Blake. Solicitor. 



888. 
Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. B. B. Botsford, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Hamilton Borden, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. Geo. W. Darrow, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Miss Co M. Blake, Solicitor. 



1889. 



Norman W T illiams, Pres. 
John Crerar, V-Pres. 
Charles W. Pierce, Sec. 
Charles F. Grey, Treas. 
Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Physician. 
Dr. D. H. Williams, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. Robert Randolph, Nursery 

Physician, 
Dr. L. L. McArthur, Surgeon. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. B. B. Botsford, V-Pres. 
Mrs. H. W. Getz, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. Geo. W. Darrow, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Mrs. N. R. Smith, Solicitor, 



1890. 



Norman W T illiams, Pres. 
John M. Clark, V-Pres. 
Fred B. Tuttle, Sec. 
Charles F. Grey, Treas. 
Dr. D. H. Williams, Physician. 
Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Consulting 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. McArthur, Surgeon. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Bennet B. Botsford, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Harry W. Getz, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. Jas. D. Dezendorf, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 

Mrs. N. R. Smith, Solicitor. 



94 



CHICAGO ORPHAN ASYLUM. 



1891. 



Norman Williams, Pres. 

John M. Clark, V-Pres. 

Fred. B. Tuttle, Sec. 

Wm. D. Preston, Treas. 

Dr. D. H Williams, Physician. 

Dr. Chas. A. Storey, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. M. P. Hatfield, Consulting 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. McArthur, Surgeon. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Bennet B. Botsford, V-Pres. 
Mrs. Harry W. Getz, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. J. D. Dezendorf, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 



1892. 



Norman Williams, Pres. 

John M. Clark, V-Pres. 

Fred B. Tuttle, Sec. 

Wm. D- Preston, Treas. 

Dr. D. H. Williams, Physician. 

Dr. Chas. A. Storey, Associate 

Physician. 
Dr. M. P Hatfield, Consulting 

Physician. 
Dr. L. L. McArthur, Surgeon. 



Mrs. Norman T. Gassette, Pres. 
Mrs. Bennet B. Botsford, V.Pres. 
Mrs. Harry W. Getz, Rec. Sec. 
Miss Sarah M. Horton, Cor. Sec. 
Mrs. Edmund J. Doering, Treas. 
Mrs. H. C. Bigelow, Matron. 



